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Simon Hammon named new Chief Executive Officer of Relax Gaming

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Relax Gaming, the igaming aggregator and supplier of unique content are delighted to announce that Simon Hammon has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Relax Gaming.

The former Chief Product Officer will replace Tommi Maijala, who had held the position since November 2019. Tommi will remain with Relax Gaming until the end of 2022, supporting Simon in his transition.

Simon moves into the role of CEO with great experience under his belt, having served 10 years within executive management teams with close to five of these as Chief Product Officer for Relax Gaming.

With a 12-year history, Relax has built a solid reputation for market-leading products and solutions driven by its Poker, Bingo, Casino and Aggregation business. The company has gone from strength to strength with a deep distribution and partner network, presenting a compelling offering to the market.

In recent years, Relax Studios have showcased market-leading and award-winning game offerings, including the hugely popular Temple Tumble and Money Train franchises. More recently, the company has showcased its innovative Dream Drop Jackpot series to great acclaim.

Commenting on Simon Hammon’s appointment to CEO, Patrik Österåker, Chairman of the Board, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce Simon Hammon as Relax Gaming’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Relax is continuing steadfast on its journey to claim an ever-larger footprint in the gambling industry, and we believe Simon with his experience, knowledge and vision is the perfect person to lead the team in the coming years.

Simultaneously, we’d like to take the opportunity to extend our gratitude to our outgoing CEO Tommi Maijala, who has been instrumental in guiding the company through arguably the most pivotal years of our history. Simon will be able to continue building boldly, supported by the confidence that a rock-solid foundation provides.”

Simon Hammon, CEO of Relax Gaming, added: “I’m truly honoured to take on the position of Chief Executive Officer at Relax Gaming. As a company, we’ve continued to grow from strength to strength over the last few years and we represent a world class offering across all verticals.

“Of course, a company is only as strong as the people who embody its mission, and I’m blessed to have a team who are so passionate about what they do and want to see Relax taken to the next level.

“Relax has grown in terms of people but also in terms of market power and brand. This is something I’m keen to continue and help drive. Relax has a bright future filled with global expansion, exciting new product offerings and a positive working culture. I look forward to continuing on this journey with you.”

Under Simon’s leadership, Relax Gaming will continue to build on its ongoing success as one of the industry’s leading B2B suppliers.

The last twelve months have seen the studio make its long-awaited entry into North America, having been named one of the first suppliers to enter the newly regulated Ontario market. Relax also entered Italy and Spain with Pokerstars and Entain respectively.

As a result, Relax has enjoyed a spate of accolades since the start of 2021, picking up more than ten prestigious industry awards. More recently Relax was named Best Mobile Gaming Software Provider at the 2022 EGR B2B Awards and Best Game Provider at the AskGamblers Awards. The company has consistently enjoyed a myriad of other industry award nominations throughout this year.

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5 Reasons Mobile iGaming is Growing (and How to Earn from It)

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Mobile iGaming isn’t a trend anymore—it’s the new default. With 96% of the world’s digital population accessing the internet via smartphones, operators can no longer treat mobile as a “nice to have.” On Atlaslive, most players already come through mobile, showing just how deep this shift has gone. So they have investigated the reasons for it.

5 reasons are driving the rise of mobile play:

  1. Smartphones & 5G: Affordable devices and low-latency connections make betting and live casino seamless.
  2. Mobile-first UX: Fingerprint login, in-game wallets, and scrollable lobbies remove friction.
  3. New market regulations: Markets like Brazil are now opening to licensed apps, unlocking millions of players.
  4. Frictionless payments: From Apple Pay to Brazil’s Biometric Pix, fast deposits are now a mobile-native feature.
  5. User behavior shifts: Millennials and Gen Z expect short, impulsive, on-the-go sessions—and mobile delivers.

Mobile iGaming has clearly become the main arena for user activity and revenue growth. To find out more and see how operators can improve engagement and drive revenue with mobile strategies, read the full article.

 

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post 5 Reasons Mobile iGaming is Growing (and How to Earn from It) appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt

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iGaming just got a new ride. Bet It Drives, GR8 Tech’s new podcast, takes the industry’s most interesting voices out of the studio and into the fast lane. Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, CSO, each episode is filmed entirely in a moving car, with cameras rolling and London as the backdrop.

No predictable Q&As: Bet It Drives pairs high-energy visuals with relaxed, unscripted dialogue. Shot by the award-winning crew behind campaigns for global brands, the format blends high-energy visuals with the kind of candid moments you only get when people are truly relaxed.

“Bet It Drives was born from a simple idea—great conversations happen when people feel at ease,” said Yevhen Krazhan. “Driving through London strips away the formality, lets personalities shine, and captures the pace and unpredictability that define the iGaming industry.”

The premiere kicks off with Alex Pratt, Group Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, who oversees a portfolio of leading B2B events and media brands, including ICE, iGB Affiliate, and iGaming Business. With over two decades in the iGaming industry, Pratt has been instrumental in shaping its evolution and is recognized for his insights into emerging markets, technological advancements, and fostering community within the gaming sector.

During the ride, Alex opened up about:

  • ICE vs. iGB Live—which is his personal favorite, and why.
  • Organizing world-class iGaming events and how major decisions like moving ICE to Barcelona come together behind the scenes.
  • Partnering with big tech and how such collaborations shape the future of iGaming.
  • Advice for startups attending conferences.
  • Alex’s Spotify playlist and the tracks that keep him going.
  • The most jaw-dropping booths he’s ever seen on the exhibition floor.
  • Which panels or attendees would he ban for the greater good of the industry.
  • Memorable after-parties—the kind you don’t forget, even if you wish you could.

“Alex really showed us what is happening on the front and the back of high-end igaming events,” said Krazhan. “From the strategic calls that shape entire conferences to the wild stories that never make the press, this episode is a perfect mix of insider knowledge, candid moments, and the kind of energy that makes you wish the ride was longer.”

With upcoming guests including Stephen Crystal, Rohini Sardana, and Helen Walton, Bet It Drives is set to deliver brilliant storytelling, unscripted moments, and a visual style unlike anything else in iGaming media.

Access Episode 1 with Alex Pratt on YouTube or Spotify—and buckle up.

The post GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience

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With four spots, one stage and R60 000 on the line, South Africa’s sharpest squads are gearing up for a Call of Duty clash like no other.

The 2025 Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience is about to get louder, faster and more intense. Hyprop, in collaboration with MTN, is introducing SHIFT COD – a Call of Duty tournament designed to test South Africa’s sharpest squads in a no-excuses, high-pressure arena. Four online qualifiers. One LAN finale. R60,000 in prize money. Only the best survive.

The format stays sharp and unforgiving: each qualifier is a single-elimination best-of-five series. Teams will battle across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. Only the top squad from each of the four qualifier events will earn a shot at the LAN finale, taking place at Canal Walk on 12 and 13 September. Finalists will cover their own travel and accommodation, but the stage – and the spotlight – will be waiting.

“The Shift Gaming Experience is about putting real competition at the centre of public spaces and connecting people through the power of play,” said Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “Adding Call of Duty to the lineup takes the intensity up a notch. We’re giving gamers a serious platform to show what they can do – live, on stage and in front of a crowd.”

The four qualifiers took place online, where teams signed up for free:

All qualifier finals were broadcast, giving fans full access to the action and allowing players to gain exposure beyond the scoreboard.

Four teams qualify for the LAN finale, where they’ll compete in a double-elimination bracket for a prize pool structured as follows:

  • 1st place: R30,000
  • 2nd place: R15,000
  • 3rd place: R10,000
  • 4th place: R5,000

Now in its third year, the Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience has become one of the country’s most visible platforms for esports and casual gaming. Hosted at Hyprop-owned malls including Canal Walk, Clearwater and The Glen, the experience blends competitive tournaments with public engagement to bring gaming into the mainstream.

“MTN SHIFT isn’t about gimmicks. It’s built for players, whether you’re grinding in ranked or showing up to prove a point on LAN,” said Stanbridge. “We’ve seen how gaming can energise our spaces and create new communities. SHIFT COD builds on that energy.”

With only four LAN spots available, the window to make your mark is narrow, and the competition will be ruthless. Visit acgl.gg/mtnshift.

Remaining Tournament Dates & Venues:

SHIFT COD is part of the MTN Shift Gaming Experience which takes place at:

Capegate – Online Qualifier: 31 Aug | In-Centre Event: 5 – 7 Sep

Canal Walk – Online Qualifier: 7 Sep | In-Centre Event: 17 – 21 Sep

The post Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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